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Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO Retro model

Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO presented in 1958 at the Motor Show in London. Letters DB nothing like the initials of the new owner of Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO, David Brown, a prominent industrialist who bought the company in 1947

Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO Classic car

The Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO received a brand new aluminum engine L6 working volume of 3.7 liter, dual overhead camshafts. This aggregate capacity of 240 horsepower was designed designer Tadek Marek. Machine were equipped with disc brakes of Dunlop and later Girling. Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO offered a choice of two options, transmissions, five-speed manual and three-speed automatic

Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO  Vintage model

Special attention is given body. First “envelope” for the Aston Martin designed a “native” studio Tickford. This time looks engaged Milanese Carrozzeria Touring. Stylish and fast paced, body built on the ultra-modern technology for those years, the frame was made of thin steel tubes, and then sheathed with aluminum. This design makes it very light, so the car would add significantly to the dynamics. Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO maximum speed of 250 kilometers per hour, and overcame stokilometrovuyu mark within six seconds

Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO Luxury old car

Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO enjoyed great success, but despite its popularity, the company needed a sophisticated model that can compete with the Ferrari 250 GT. So, in 1959, there was a strong 302-DB4 GT. Externally it differed closed fairing headlights and air intakes on the bonnet

Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO Stylish model

At this improvement is not over. To “catch up» Ferrari, Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO was subjected to the new changes. To this end, attracted well-known Milanese bodywork firm Zagato, through which the car has become more streamlined and aggressive. Steel body parts have been replaced by aluminum, bumpers removed, instead of glass inserted lightweight perspex. Thanks to this machine’s weight dropped to 40 pounds, and the special racing weight of the samples was reduced by another 50 pounds. Slightly increased and the power of the engine, now it was 314 forces

Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO Interior picture

Aston Martin DB4GT ZAGATO Side view

MG TD Mark II Roadster

In 1949, to replace the MG TD Mark II to a more perfect and comfortable model MG TD Mark II. Design remained the same, but the main changes were technical stuffing. Due to the strong body and an independent front suspension, the movement of the car was comfortable.MG TD Mark II Motor and gear box were identical to the previous model.

MG TD Mark II Classic model

But in order to maintain the momentum of the heavier versions of machines used in the transmission of other gear ratios. Also, in accordance with the established safety rules at the time at MG TD Mark II installed front and rear bumpers.MG TD Mark II

MG TD Mark II Retro model

A year later came the variant with uprated to 57 power engine and the car received index MG TD Mark II. This engine featured an upgraded cylinder head, higher compression ratio and the increased size of the carbs.MG TD Mark II

MG TD Mark II Classic car

Model MG TD Mark II had an even bigger success than its predecessor and for four years, production has sold nearly thirty thousand copies, of which almost twenty thousand were exported to the United States.MG TD Mark II

MG TD Mark II Vintage model

MG TD Mark II Stylish car

Hudson Hornet Classic American model

Although the cars of the three largest manufacturers monopolized the most attention of American cars in the 1950′s, the role of the Hudson Hornet can not be ignored

Hudson Hornet Retro model

At the time of Hudson Hornet debuted in 1951, the public had been seduced by the radical styling of the Commodore company in 1948. The low profile design of the car floor placed between the rails of the chassis structure, instead of placing them on top, and the body and chassis combined into a single unit, reached a low profile design with a reduced center of gravity.

Hudson Hornet Vintage model car

The elegant Hornet was offered as a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, a convertible and a hardtop. He pioneered the use of unique structure (chassis-body), as well as its powerful engine L-head 6 cylinder in line. Hudson Hornet- originally the engine in the Commodore had 262 cubic inches, but when mounted on the Hornet in 1951 and had a displacement of 308 cubic inches. Hudson Hornet with an aluminum head high compression and two barrel carburetor could 145hp with 275 lb-ft of torque, making it the six-cylinder engine more powerful in the world.Hudson Hornet

Hudson Hornet Hotrod

The Hudson was lavishly decorated, with lots of chrome exterior and interior, attractive upholstery and room for six adults. In 1952, Hudson joined an optional engine, the Twin-H. Using two interconnected multiple carburetors fed by two of the gorge, making a 170hp power. Hudson Hornet Alternatively, 7-X, increased their power 210hp.

Hudson Hornet Rear view

The runners took note. At a time when stock car competition was really competitive actions, the attributes of the Hornet made it a natural candidate for the NASCAR races and more – despite its obvious trend for luxury. The track star Marshall Teague received support for their efforts in NASCAR, and he and his “Fabulous Hudson Hornet” won several competitions of the season. In total, Hudson won 12 of the 41 races of 1951, including the season opener at Daytona Grand National. In 1952, the domain of Teague and Hudson was total, winning 27 of the 34 competencies in NASCAR. 39 more victories followed in the next two seasons.Hudson Hornet

Classic retro car Hudson Hornet

However, neither the advanced technology and success in careers in America’s most important series might help sales, which were dormant since the debut of the Hornet. Hudson Hornet Superficial changes for the 1953 model included a redesigned grille and hood, and in 1954 was presented ventilation hatch on the hood, one piece windshield, and redesigned rear. It was all for nothing. As Hudson‘s finances were in decline is planning a merger with Nash.

Hudson Hornet in Blue color

The Hornet is robust, well-built engines that offer a lot of trouble-free miles with proper maintenance and management as any other American car of the era, thanks in large part by its low center of gravity and uniform distribution of their weight. Hudson Hornet Its six cylinders also undoubtedly help, even the base engine of 145hp.

Hudson Hornet Interior view

Hudson Hornet Interior view

Hudson Hornet Super Vintage model

Shelby Daytona Coupe

The American motorsports history would not be complete sans the inclusion of one of the greatest cars, the Shelby Daytona Coupe. Dubbed as the Ferrari-slayer, the Peter Brock-designed coupe won the FIA GT World Championship in 1965. This was a record-breaking win considering that no other American car has achieved that before the Shelby Daytona Coupe. This has made the car not only in demand, if you can get one, but also very expensive.

Shelby Daytona Coupe

There is however a solution for those who desire to own a Shelby Daytona Coupe and that is through the Shelby Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition which came to life thanks to the unique interpretation of the Exotic Auto Restoration. By getting this package you also get wider 18-inch wheels and tires, billet aluminum hood vents, heady-duty suspension, and fender flares. You also get brushed aluminum dash, Alcantara seating, suede Momo steering wheel and Daytona Le mans gauges.

Shelby Daytona Coupe

The Shelby Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition is powered by any Ford V8 engine producing 530 horsepower. There is also an option for the track-oriented version which is sportier and powered by a Shelby aluminum block 427ci V8 engine producing 560 horsepower. This package includes upgraded brakes, quick-release steering wheel and carbon fiber front splitter.

Shelby Daytona Coupe

Shelby Daytona Coupe Inside

1980 Dodge Mirada Luxury sedan

A very rare vehicle, the Dodge Mirada was a hardtop coupe manufactured by Chrysler from 1980 through 1983. Based on Chrysler’s J body platform, the Mirada replaced the Dodge Magnum. The Mirada is identical to two other vehicles that Chrysler also manufactured at the same era, the Cordoba and the Imperial. Three engine options were available, an 85 hp Slant Six, a 130 hp 318 V8 and a 150 hp 360 V8. The Mirada was last manufactured in 1983 and at the end of its production year, only 5,120 units were sold.

The Mirada was a sturdy reliable little car, but unfortunately it didn’t become very popular during its three years of production. A mid-sized, rear-wheel drive coupe, the production numbers were very low, and less than 53,000 units were sold during its lifetime. During its production run, the Mirada would remain virtually unchanged with the exception of paint colors and engines. In 1983 the Mirada was replaced with the Chrysler 600. Basically, the Mirada was fairly doomed from the start in the market. Rear wheel drive had gone out of fashion in the car industry quite some time ago, and unfortunately even the true Plymouths were going out of style with their boat-like appearance.

1980 Dodge Mirada Targa

The Mirada was introduced as a luxury coupe, and it did indeed feature luxury items that would have been found in American models during, such as AM/FM radios with cassette players, various power options and leather upholstery.

In introducing the Mirada, Chrysler was also attempting to succeed on the NASCAR front as well. Lee Iaccoca personally requested Richard Petty to campaign a Mirada in NASCAR. Several drivers, including Petty built race ready test vehicles and tested them. Unfortunately the Mirada was tested around 8pm slower than other GM and Ford vehicles of the day and Petty and other drivers chose to go with another model. Arlington Racing did decide to go with the car and campaigned it from 1981 through 1984 racing seasons and managed 15 top-ten finishes during those years.

The main driver was Buddy Arrington; number 67, who ended up carrying the flag for Chrysler in NASSCAR after Petty Enterprises went to GM. The Marida was mainly used as a short-track car, while using a ’81-83 Imperial on superspeedwars. Several other drivers, including Dave Marcis and Dick May did choose to run the Mirada several times in 1981. Unfortunately the vehicles either broke down or finished several laps behind the leaders.

1980 Dodge Mirada stylish Limousine

The Mirada used transverse torsion bars in its suspension in the front and leaf springs with a sway bar in the rear. A ‘Sport Handling Package’ was offered on the Mirada and it included heavy-duty shock absorbers, torsion bar bushings, springs and anti-sway bars in both the rear and front. The braking system used drum brakes in the rear and power assisted disc brakes in the front.

Several different variations of rooflines were offered on the Mirada. Base models received a basic metal roof with a chrome beauty strip that reached from the bottom of the opera windows and across the roof. Buyers that wanted their Mirada to feature a sportier look could choose either a power sunroof, or a glass T-top roof. An even more luxurious option would be to choose either a vinyl landau roof or a cabriolet roof.

Every year except 1983 the T-tops and Landau were available, and the Cabriolet top could be purchased anytime. Unfortunately the power sunroof wasn’t very popular and was only available for 1980 and 1981.

Several basic wheel options were available, base models came with 15′ steel wheels with turbine-like hubcaps. Another option was polished ten-spoke, 15′ aluminum wheels with bright chrome center caps and painted section.

On the inside, the Mirada was available in a selection of styles and colors, though the most often chosen interior color was dark red. In the base vehicle, the dashboard was black with a faux woodgrain finish that surrounded the center console and gauges. The CMX featured a brushed aluminum finish that replaced the woodgrain. Options on the seating were either vinyl bucket seats, a 60/40 split cloth bench seat or leather bucket seats. The Mirada could be chosen with either a column shift or floor shift, while the bench seat was only available with the column shifter. Available steering wheels were either an interior –matched two-spoke wheel with horn buttons in the spokes. The CMX featured the Mopar ‘Tuff Wheel’ as the standard steering wheel in 1980 and 1981. The base models featured manual windows but the CMX could be purchased with power windows as an option.

1988 Dodge Diplomat Classic car

Dodge first used the name ‘Diplomat‘ in 1950 to designate their 2-door hardtop bodystyle. The name would endure until 1954. It re-appeared in 1975 as a trim package on the Royal Monaco two-door hardtop. In 1977, it became its own model line and served as a replacement for the Coronet in Dodge‘s mid-sized line-up. It was based on the Dodge Aspen and wore an M-body. Mounted on the bonnet was a 225 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine as the base powerplant. An optional 5.2L and 5.9L V8 were available. After 1984, the Diplomat was only available with the 5.2L V8 unit.

1988 Dodge Diplomat Muscle car

1988 Dodge Diplomat Limousine

The Dodge Diplomat was a mid-size car and it was manufactured from 1977 to 1989 by the Chrysler Corporation’s Dodge brand and practically identical to the Chrysler LeBaron of 1977, the Plymouth Caravelle sold in Canada, and the Plymouth Gran Fury from 1982. It was also sold in Mexico between 1980 and 1981 as the Dodge Dart, and in Colombia as the Dodge Coronet.

1977 saw the return of the Diplomat as a full model line rather than as the name of a particular body style. It replaced the Monaco in Dodge‘s new downsized mid-size lineup. The new Diplomat was based on the Dodge Aspen, designated the M-body. While the Aspen had the F-body, the M-bodies were related to it: the wheelbase and suspension were identical and doors and body panels often interchangeable. Hence, another M-body sedan, such as the 1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue, had interchangeable doors with the 1976 Aspen. Like the Aspen, the Diplomat had coupe and station wagon variants.

The Diplomat was offered with a base 225 cu in (3.7 L) six-cylinder engine. In 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 form (and an optional 360 cu in (5.9 L)) it, and its Plymouth Gran Fury/Caravelle twin, were widely favored as a police car both in the US and Canada. After 1984, the only engine offered was the 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8.

Following the demise of the Dodge St. Regis R-body in 1981, the Diplomat remained, becoming the largest sedan in the Dodge lineup, despite technically being a mid-size car. Dodge would not market another truly full-size car (at least based upon U.S. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency? (EPA) passenger volume statistics) until the Monaco debuted as a 1990 model.

In 1982, the coupe and station wagon were discontinued and Canada’s Plymouth version of the Diplomat came south of the border. The Plymouth Caravelle was offered in the US as the Plymouth Gran Fury.

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Muscle car

1964 Dodge 330 Factory Lightweight (aluminum front end), Bob Harrop and Crescent Dodgeoriginal factory Super Stock car, showing 49 miles on the odometer and original interior, restored to original race condition by Rick Demarco, 426 Max Wedge engine by Jerry Stine, paint and lettering just as raced in 1964, this is the real deal factory lightweight sponsored by Dodge driven by ‘Harrop the Arab’ multiple magazine features.

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Retro car

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Sports car

1954 Dodge Firearrow Classic car

Created by the exquisite American car designer Virgil Exner, the Dodge Firearrow was introduced in 1954 as part of a four part series and built by Ghia of Turin, Italy. The Firearrow II and Firearrow IV; ‘Dreams’ are the only two convertible Firearrows in the world. There were a total of four vehicles built between 1953 and 1954. The bodies of these vehicles were constructed at Ghia using the chassis of stock 1954 Dodge convertibles.

A true roadster, the Firearrow I was painted red and gray with a yellow interior with maroon piping. The first model had dual headlights and the wheels were full wheel covers with body side molding that wrapped all the way around the car. The Firearrow I featured exposed exhaust pipes, two on each side that rode low on the car’s flanks. An additional touch of Italian styling was featured on a wood-rimmed steering wheel.
Today the vehicle is on display at Petersen’s Museum.

1954 Model of classic retro car-Dodge Firearrow Concept

The 1954 Firearrow II was also a true roadster that was painted a subdued yellow color. Very similar in appearance to the Firearrow I, the main difference was that the body side molding didn’t wrap around the car, but ended at the headlamps and taillights. The modified version of the original vehicle, the Firearrow II retained the mockup’s two-place seating and striking frameless windshield. The full hub caps were also replaced by chrome-plated wire wheels and new single headlights replaced the dual. The split bumper was also changed from the Firearrow I and replaced with a more aggressive ‘mouth’ horizontally bisected by an uninterrupted bumper. The toothy look was achieved by five vertical design elements on the bumper.

A 2-seater Sport Coupe was introduced in 1954, the Firearrow III, also called the Firebomb. Much more civilized than the original Firearrow, the III was painted a light metallic blue. With racer/flyer Betty Skelton behind the wheel at the Chrysler proving grounds, the Firebomb clocked at 143.44mph, set a women’s closed-course record. The dual headlights were brought back on this third edition along a concave grille cut with narrow verticals. The Sport Coupe featured a hardcore element with its wraparound backlight. Crash protection both front and rear was supplied by modest bumperettes.

1954 Dodge Firearrow Roadster

Also dubbed the Firebomb, the Firearrow IV was a stunning red convertible 4-seater, that featured black and white diamond interior. Basically a convertible version of the Firebomb, the newest edition is now in the Blackhawk collection as a black vehicle with black and white ‘tuck’n Roll’ interior. Both the yellow Firearrow II and the red Firearrow IV, the last of the collection have received honors at Meadowbrook and Amelia island Concours d’Elegance. These vehicles sold for $1.1 million each.

Chrysler unfortunately made the decision not to proceed into production. These vehicles are but a great moment in automotive history and the only survivors of the early series of Chrysler concept cars.

1957 Ford Battlebird roadster

There were two Ford Battlebirds created and they were the work of talented engineers in an effort to bring racing glory to the Ford nameplate and to defeat stiff competition such as the Corvette. Much was needed to be done to make the popular Thunderbird into a formidable competitor. They were heavy, suffered from under-braking, and had a suspension that did not suite it well on the race track.

Four Thunderbirds were sent to Pete de paolo Engineering, which had a history with working with other Ford racing projects. Two cars were stripped of non-essential items and material and some of its material was replaced with aluminum. The aluminum bodywork was courtesy of Dick Troutman and Dwight Clayton.

The two remaining cars were kept in nearly stock guise so it would qualify for ‘stock car class’ racing. These two cars were intended to perform well on straight, high speed courses while the other two heavily modified cars were destined for road courses.

The two modified cars were given the nickname ‘Battlebird.’ They were built by Jim Travers and Frank Coons. The Ford engine was moved six-inches towards the back to held distribute the weight – as nearly every component had been removed from the interior of the car. One of the cars was fitted with a 312 cubic-inch Y-block engine while the other was given a Lincoln 430 cubic-inch V8. After a fuel injection system, supercharger, and other modifications, the engines were estimated to produce over 400 horsepower. Since Ford did not have a suitable gearbox to handle the power and to compete with Chevy’s Borg-Warner T-10, a Jaguar four-speed unit was used.

1957 American Muscle car Ford Battlebird

Finned drum brakes were used with the rears receiving special cooling. The suspension was improved with coil springs in the front and a seven-leaf spring setup in the rear. A Halibrand quick-change differential was installed and an additional gas tank installed in the trunk. The cars rode on Halibrand magnesium wheels with knock-offs and Firestone Super Sport tires.

The cars had some success in racing prior to the Automobile Manufacturers’ Association ban on racing, which meant the cars became obsolete. The were later sold to a privateer who continued to race them for several years. The Lincoln powered car was destroyed in an accident; the Ford engined cars remains and has been restored to its original Battlebird form.

Though the cars did not compete at Sebring and rival their competitors, they were given the opportunity to race prior to the ban. Out of the two, the Ford performed better, though the Lincoln-powered car did set the Daytona record for a standing-start.

1964 Red muscle car- Ford Mustang

The Mustang was introduced at the 1965 New York World’s Fair, Mustang Mania instantly swept the country, and a new automotive market segment was created – the 2+2 or better known as the ‘ponycar.’ Though its mechanical underpinnings descended from the Falcon, the Mustang was completely different. It was a compact, tight, clean package weighing in at a modest 2,550 pounds – a departure from the ever-enlarging American cars of the day. The classic long-hood short-rear-deck combined with a forward-leaning grille, elegant blade bumpers, sculptured body sides, fully exposed wheel openings and restrained use of bright trim gave the car a unique look that belied its affordability. Its looks were backed up with power, providing three optional V8 engines with up to 271 horsepower. Other options included automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, styled chrome wheels and air conditioning. Not surprisingly, the entry-level modes were a minority of the production.

1964 Classic green Ford Mustang

To say that the first Mustang was a success is an understatement. Following the introduction, the Mustang was on the cover of both Time and Newsweek. A week before introduction, Ford ran ads with the air times for the first television commercials, which all three networks broadcasted simultaneously. Mustang was selected as the Official Pace Car for the 1964 Indianapolis 500, and more than 22,000 orders were taken the first day. By its first anniversary, over 418,000 Mustangs had been sold, breaking the all-time record for first year sales of a new nameplate.

The original platform was used, with numerous modifications, up to 1973. The Pinto-based Mustang II was built from 1974 until 1978. A new fox body platform began in 1979 and was largely unchanged through 1993. In 1994 the SN-95, a modified version of the Fox body, debuted and was produced until 2004. The 2005 Mustang is built on the first entirely new platform in 25 years.

1964 Ford Mustang Convertible

Until 1967, Mustang had this new market all to itself. For 1965 a new 2+2 Fastback model added as was the GT Equipment Group. Both performance and aesthetically minded, this group included front disk brakes; grille-mounted fog lights, 5-gauge instrumentation, GT stripes and badges and special dual ‘trumpet’ exhaust outlets. 1966 brought a huge shot in the arm to the ponycar moniker – the first Shelby GT 350. Built on the 2+2 Fastback by famed racer/car builder Carroll Shelby, these cars featured race-tuned engines and suspensions. By mid-1966, Mustang passed the one-million sales mark.

On the track, the Mustang name was quickly establishing itself in many motorsports arenas. In 1965, Mustang assumed the role as Ford’s rally car. Carroll Shelby, famed builder of the Cobra, created race-ready cars for SCCA’s production class B competition against the likes of Chevrolet’s Corvette and the Jaguar E-Type. Shelby‘s goal was accomplished when the GT 350 took the B-Production Championship from Corvette. Shelby Mustangs were also successful in the world of drag racing. Ford campaigned several highly modified A/FX altered Mustangs equipped with 427 ‘Cammer’ motors in National Hot Rod Association drag racing events. 1966 brought the creation of the SCCA Trans Am professional racing series for V-8 sedans of 305 cubic inches or less. Mustang took the Trans Am Manufacturers’ Cup in 1966. The Shelby GT 350 repeated the previous year’s success as B-Production Champion.